They said he was finished. They said his time was up. But the roar of the tiger still echoes through Bihar! At 74, Nitish Kumar has once again defied expectations, proving that his political career is far from over. But what exactly makes this veteran leader such an enduring force in Bihar's ever-shifting political landscape? Let's dive into the details of this remarkable comeback story.
Bihar Election Results: Nitish Kumar's Resurgence
Just a day before the vote count, posters declaring "Tiger abhi zinda hai" (The tiger is still alive) sprung up across Bihar, a bold statement of defiance amid widespread doubts about Nitish Kumar's political future and even his health. And the early trends confirmed the message. Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) – JD(U) – is currently leading in over 75 of the 101 seats it contested. This performance is crucial for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), as it allows them to retain power in Bihar. You can follow live updates on the Bihar election results for the latest developments.
If these trends hold true, it will mark an incredible turnaround for the JD(U), especially considering the significant anti-incumbency they've faced after nearly two decades in power. Think about it: twenty years is a long time in politics! Maintaining popularity and support for that duration is an enormous challenge. The latest numbers show the JD(U) has managed to gain approximately 30 seats compared to its 2020 results, retaining a staggering 88% of the seats it previously held. That's a testament to their strong ground game and loyal voter base.
The Mini-Battle Within the NDA: A Fight for Supremacy
But here's where it gets controversial... This election also highlights an interesting power struggle within the NDA itself. It’s a 'mini battle' to decide who gets to be the 'big brother' – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the JD(U). Remember, in the 2020 assembly elections, the BJP actually outperformed Nitish Kumar's party for the first time in 20 years! That was a significant shift. In that election, the JD(U) contested 115 seats, while the BJP contested 110. The JD(U)'s seat tally plummeted from 71 in 2015 to just 43, while the BJP secured 74 seats.
And this is the part most people miss... the BJP has been steadily gaining ground in Bihar, and some analysts even predicted they might try to assert dominance. However, the JD(U)'s performance this time demonstrates that they are not to be underestimated, even with the BJP negotiating equal seat sharing. The final seat count will definitively establish which party holds the upper hand within the NDA coalition going forward.
Nitish Kumar's Enduring Appeal: More Than Just Politics
Many believe this election will be the last for Nitish Kumar, who has served as Chief Minister for over 19 years. If sworn in again, it will be his record-breaking 10th term. That's an incredible achievement! Experts attribute his success to a combination of factors, including carefully calculated caste arithmetic and his consistent popularity among women voters. These factors have solidified Nitish Kumar's reputation as a leader who champions the interests of all communities.
Nitish Kumar, often referred to as 'Paltu Ram' (turncoat) due to his past political flip-flops, has come a long way since taking charge of Bihar in 2005. He inherited a state plagued by lawlessness and corruption under the previous RJD government, often described as "jungle raaj." By prioritizing development and improving law and order, Kumar earned the title of 'Sushasan Babu' (Good Governance Man). This clean image and focus on governance remains one of his greatest strengths.
The election results clearly show that women continue to be Nitish's strongest supporters. This time, the voter turnout among women was a remarkable 10% higher than that of men – 74.03% compared to 64.1%. His recent initiative of transferring Rs 10,000 to women beneficiaries appears to have further solidified his hold on this crucial voting bloc. Could this focus on women's empowerment be the key to his continued success?
So, what do you think? Has Nitish Kumar truly earned his place as a political legend, or is his success simply a product of carefully calculated political maneuvering? Will he be able to maintain his influence in the years to come, or is this truly the beginning of the end for his era in Bihar politics? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
Published By: Abhishek De
Published On: Nov 14, 2025
